Nhean Phoung Maly- Empowering Women In Cambodia

Empowering Women in Cambodia

Cambodia is a diverse country in both culture and environment, consisting of 25 provinces and over 15 million people. The province of Siem Reap, located in the North of Cambodia, continues to struggle with democratic transparency, economic stability and the overall well being of Cambodians. Its recent history marked by pain and political instability contrasts with the beauty of its landscapes, the kindness of its people and the charm of its temples. In recent years, Cambodia has finally begun to establish itself as a valuable country in Asia. Today, the gaze of the Cambodians is fixed on the future, the reconstruction of the country and the strengthening of their economy. Despite the notable economic growth in recent years, extreme poverty and other severe social problems remain unresolved. Charitable organizations and NGOs play a fundamental role in the revival of Cambodia's development scene and the protection and empowerment of Cambodia’s most vulnerable people.

On the front lines of this battle to empower Cambodian people is Nhean Phoung Maly,, the founder and director of Rachna Satrei. Rachna Satrei is a grassroots organization aimed to empower women, children and the disabled to improve their social and economic standing through means of education, advocacy and community development. With over ten years of experience in operations and executive leadership in Cambodia’s non-profit sector, Maly is also the Provincial Coordinator of Non Governmental Coordination Network Siem Reap (NCNSR). Representing roughly 140 local non-profits, NCNSR unites NGO’s throughout Siem Reap province to advocate for good governance and civil society. Maly’s passion for Cambodia is manifested in her efforts to stand up for Cambodia’s most vulnerable populations and she envisions a brighter future for Cambodian people.

From the day of its creation, Rachna Satrei has facilitated social and economic progress throughout the region of Siem Reap. This positive change can largely be attributed to the success of the organisation’s numerous projects and their diverse nature. In fact, the organisation has aided communities to develop skills in a variety of fields, ranging from environmental consciousness, to business development as well as human rights awareness. Launched in 2008, with support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Cambodia, Rachna Satrei launched the Community Forestry Project which aided the local community in the province of Sras Khvav to compile data and map the surrounding forest so as to prevent illegal logging. In the same year, Rachna Satrei provided agricultural resources such as seeds, tools and livestock as well as land and farm management training to various communes around the province. Following the success of the aforementioned projects, Rachna Satrei directed their efforts in other areas, investing 50,000 Cambodian Riel as well as providing business training to the Propel commune to start up a community bank. Since its launch, the community bank has tripled in capital and, while initially created to fund small business loans, it has managed to help facilitate a large number of businesses. Alongside such endeavours, Rachna Satrei has placed a majority of its efforts on the empowerment of Cambodian women. Initiatives such as the Gender Rights or Women's Aid Projects have enabled the promotion of women’s rights within homes and communities through awareness sessions exploring issues related to domestic violence and by providing the women with connections to local authorities and lawyers. As a result, we have seen women in these areas become leaders in driving social change within their districts. In addition to combatting domestic violence issues, Rachna Satrei has provided packages containing rice, clothing and seeds to the local women in the flooded area of the Kampong Khlang commune. More recently, the organisation partnered with Heifer International to launch an all-encompassing project with the aim of ‘Improving Income and Nutrition through Community Empowerment’ (INCOME) targeting 1200 families with the highest poverty rates. Self-help groups provided educational sessions, formed farming cooperatives and promoted female led initiatives. This project has helped produce stronger, stable incomes for the families involved and continues to expand its reach daily.

Rachna Satrei recognizes that the fight for women’s empowerment is far from over, and that the culture of inferiority continues to plague rural communities. Thus, the organisation’s newest venture that falls under the name of ‘Project Inspire’ seeks to reduce gender inequality by providing women with the means to become self-sufficient and active members of society. Project Inspire, combined with Rachna Satrei’s other advocacy projects, holistically tackle the problems of economic deprivation, poor health, and gender inequality faced by women in Siem Reap. It is not only a vocational project, but a personal development training that aims to transform disadvantaged women into informed and educated individuals. This program will consist of three main parts: core sewing skills including designing, pattern making and sewing; entrepreneurship, which will provide women with basic business, financial, and marketing skills necessary to start their careers or their own businesses; and life skills, including English and Khmer literacy, leadership, civil rights, and gender-based issues. While such projects are rich in potential, they are often halted by a lack of necessary funding and support, preventing organizations like Rachna Satrei from achieving their goals. In order for Project Inspire to successfully empower young Cambodian women, Rachna Satrei will need the support from both the public and private sector to continue its operations.

When you ask Maly why she chose to create Rachna Satrei, she will speak about Cambodia’s first female ruler, Queen Neang Neak. She recounts a time when Cambodia was a prosperous, glorious, and united country, respectful of women’s rights. Maly is hopeful that her efforts will promote the value of women in society as Queen Neang Neak was able to do, and awaits the day when Cambodia will be lead by another female leader. (In regards to Queen Neang Neak, there have been inconsistencies with her name. Some sources refer to her as Queen Neang Neak and others refer to her as Queen Soma. It may be useful to have another individual fact check this!)

How to Get Involved

http://rachnasatrei.wixsite.com/rachnasatrei